Totoro, Colombia (Filter)

This coffee (similar to our previous Colombians Ajicito, La Union, Uribe) is known as a regional coffee, that in our view, offers much more positive socio-economic benefits to those involved in the growing, processing and exporting (the supply chain) of the coffee than many single estate OR micro lot coffees do. Why should coffee only be considered quality or traceable, just because you can reprint the farmers name? More often than not, regional lots are produced to exceptional levels of quality, with the farmers being located next to one another, offering a near identical profile, with the actual coffee itself being processed at the same location and under the exact same standards.

It's sometimes a nice story to hear about a single farm's efforts to create a beautiful crop of coffee, in a single varietal, with a focus on quality processing and dedication for excellence. However, it is much more common to buy what is referred to as a regional blend or lot (such as this one), where numerous smallholders benefit from a collective effort, sometimes supported by a coffee exporter, charity or NGO. It is this scenario there is a much higher level of positive socio-economic benefit being created, and those who often struggle to generate a fair and decent income through coffee farming can be the true beneficiaries. An example of a coffee supply chain in positive effect.